Packers Release Jaire Alexander: What’s Next for Green Bay’s Defense?

By Jason Bolton June 13, 2025 11:55

The Green Bay Packers’ decision to release two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander marks a significant turning point for the franchise’s defense as it looks to rebuild and retool for the 2025 NFL season. Alexander, once regarded as one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners, leaves behind a legacy of elite coverage but also a recent history marred by injuries and contract disputes that ultimately led to the Packers parting ways with him.

Alexander’s tenure in Green Bay spanned seven seasons, during which he emerged as a cornerstone of the Packers’ secondary. Over that period, he amassed 287 total tackles, 12 interceptions, and 70 pass breakups, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2020 and 2022. His lockdown coverage and ability to neutralize top receivers made him a fan favorite and a vital piece of the defense. In 2022, the Packers rewarded his performance with a lucrative four-year, $84 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid corners in the league at the time.

However, the last two seasons have been a struggle for Alexander, who has battled a series of injuries including groin, shoulder, knee, and back issues. In 2024, he appeared in only seven games, limited by injuries and a one-game suspension, while missing 10 games in 2023 due to a PCL injury and other ailments. This limited availability raised concerns about his long-term durability. General Manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged these challenges, stating, “The last few years, it’s been a lot of games missed. I just think what that means to pay a guy who’s not able to get on the field. It’s not his fault. It’s just the circumstances”.

Financial considerations also played a pivotal role in the Packers’ decision. Alexander was due a base salary of $16.15 million in 2025, and the team had explored trade options and contract restructuring to manage the cap hit. Despite interest from teams like the Buffalo Bills, Alexander declined to accept a pay cut, leading the Packers to release him and absorb a full $17.04 million dead cap charge for the 2025 season. This move frees up future cap flexibility but leaves a significant hole in the secondary.

The release has elicited emotional responses from within the organization. Quarterback Jordan Love, who played alongside Alexander for five seasons, expressed his disappointment, calling the move “a tough one” and praising Alexander’s impact on his development. “He’s been here since I arrived, and we were very close. It’s definitely difficult. That’s the nature of the NFL. Tough choices are made,” Love said.

Looking ahead, the Packers face the challenge of replacing Alexander’s elite coverage skills. The secondary will likely lean on younger players and new acquisitions to step up. The team’s defensive coordinator will need to adjust schemes to compensate for the loss of a lockdown corner, possibly emphasizing zone coverage or safety help over man-to-man matchups.

In summary, Jaire Alexander’s release signals the end of an era for Green Bay’s defense. While his injury history and contract demands made the decision inevitable, the Packers now must navigate life without a player who was once the bedrock of their secondary. The coming season will test the team’s depth and adaptability as they seek to maintain defensive competitiveness without one of their most talented defenders.